Research @ The Department of Chemistry, Amritapuri Campus

Research Collaboration

The department engages research collaboration with National and international Universities and research institutes in various fields of chemical and allied Sciences like University of Bologna, Italy; University of Milan, Italy; University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Colarado State University, USA; Council of National Research, Milan; NCL, Pune; IIT, Hyderabad, Chennai, Gandhinagar, IIST, NIIST, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, IGCAR, Kalpakkam, etc.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has provided all infrastructure which in turn provide a conducive physical ambience for research in terms of adequate research laboratories, computing facilities and allied services. The department also possesses classical chemistry labs which have been structured with a vision of transforming it into an excellent centre for research in the frontier areas of applied chemistry and allied branches. The research lab is well equipped with various sophisticated equipments which help in carrying out research in the various frontier as well as emerging areas in chemistry.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

We send our students for short term internships and final projects to premier research institutes and Universities in India and abroad like IITs at Mumbai, Chennai, Guhawti, CSIR Labs, CLRI, NCL, SIKRI, JNCASR, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Monash University. Many of our students and alumini got admission to pursue their higher studies in prestigious institutions like IIT, NIT.

HIGHER STUDIES & RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Special training are given to the students to write GATE, NET and IAS exams for their higher studies. Students are encouraged to take up the Integrated PhD / PhD programmes in India and abroad.

Phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins are one of the oldest synthesized and very widely used resins. Their properties can be improved with the incorporation nano-fillers even with lower loadings. Graphene materials have attracted significant attention in recent years owing to its exceptional thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. Herein, we report a very simple and effective way to reduce graphene oxide (GO) by using highly abundant potato starch instead of conventionally used toxic and hazardous reducing agents like hydrazine. The reduced GO (RGO) is then effectively incorporated into PF resin by optimizing various processing parameters. The reinforcing effect of RGO sheets on the PF matrix was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The effect of RGO on thermal properties of the polymer nanocomposites was studied using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties of PF/RGO composites were studied by tensile and Izod impact tests. The fracture mechanism of the composites was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Theoretical prediction of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites using Halpin-Tsai models gave sufficient information regarding the orientation of graphene sheets in PF matrix.

The ability of graphene-based materials to enhance the conventional antibiotic resistance is well known and researchers have been interested in improving their antibacterial activity. The reduction of graphene oxide by eco-friendly reducing agents is of great interest on the basis of environmental and human health aspects. Herein we report the synthesis of two forms of graphene derivatives namely, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through reduction using potato starch and zinc oxide decorated RGO (ZnO-RGO). In the case of ZnO-RGO, the reduction of graphene oxide and the conversion of ZnO to nano ZnO occur simultaneously. The characterization of all the graphene based materials and nanocomposites developed were carried out using FT-IR, XRD, Raman spectra and TEM techniques. The antibacterial activity of these modified materials against E. coli was also studied by well diffusion method. Our results show that ZnO-RGO is more efficient than RGO in their antibacterial properties which we attribute to the synergistic effect of ZnO and RGO towards the bacteria in the nanocomposite. Further we find that the antibacterial effect of ZnO-RGO towards E. coli is due to the disruption of the bacterial cell which could be confirmed by AFM images. Considering the fact that graphene-based materials are less toxic towards mammalian cells, both RGO and ZnO-RGO we have developed can find applications in the field of medicine and life sciences.

Theoretical analysis is carried out to predict the nature of selective localization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in poly(trimethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PTT/PE) blends. In agreement with theoretical data experimental results clearly indicate that MWCNT prefers to get associated with PTT phase than with PE. Molecular interactions responsible for such selective localization of MWCNT to PTT component can be attributed to mutual and collective π–π interactions possible between the aromatic moieties present in PTT and MWCNT. In addition, the reinforcing effect of MWCNT in the PTT/PE system was determined using tensile analysis and the morphological features of blends and blend nanocomposites are studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compared to the PTT/PE blend system MWCNT incorporated blend nanocomposites show better mechanical properties. The elongation at break of the blend system is seen to rise with increasing amount of PE content. Among various blend nanocomposites, we have investigated the nanocomposites with higher PTT content show higher tensile strength and Young's modulus. The blend nanocomposite with 90/10/1 composition shows 12% increment in Young's modulus and as much as 80% increment in tensile strength compared to 90/10 blend system which signifies the role MWCNT plays in the blend system.

Spinel-structured nickel ferrite has been prepared using co-precipitation method. The ferrite particles prepared were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and TEM and were confirmed to be in the nano-regime. Natural rubber composites were prepared with different loadings of nickel ferrite like 5, 15, 25, 50, and 75 (in part per hundred rubber, phr). The mechanical, swelling, and magnetic properties were analyzed using the standard methods. Dielectric measurements show that permittivity decreases with increase in frequency and increases with increase in ferrite loading. Tan delta value also was found to increase with filler loading which may be attributed to the presence of interfacial polarization.

Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the inhibitive action of different concentrations of Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract on the mild steel corrosion in an aggressive HCl medium under different experimental conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Weight loss investigation, open-circuit voltage analysis, Tafel polarisation, AC impedance analysis, etc. were used for the evaluation of inhibition efficiency. The influence of immersion period on inhibition efficiency was evaluated. The mechanism of action of the inhibitor is also discussed. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were used to characterise the passive film.
Findings
The results suggested that 10,000 ppm solution has maximum inhibition efficiency of 98.01 per cent at room temperature, while 1,000 ppm solution also exhibited a better efficiency of about 96.16 per cent. Efficiency of inhibitor solution was found to increase with an increase in its concentration. Polarisation study proposed the solution as an anodic inhibitor. Impedance study confirmed the formation of a protective layer over the surface of the specimen, and the constituents of the film were identified using IR spectroscopy. Stability of the film adsorbed on the steel was cleared from the steady open-circuit potential value. Study on action of the inhibitor under accelerated conditions revealed the fact that the efficiency of extract in preventing corrosion is good under stimulated conditions also.
Practical implications
The action of inhibitor sustains for a sufficient time period and could sustain under stimulated conditions. Hence, its application is practically possible in industries. The proposed inhibitor is widely available and is environmentally safe.
Originality/value
HCl is an industrially important chemical used for acid cleaning, acid pickling, etc. HCl was used as an aggressive corrosion environment. As the chances for mild steel to be in contact with HCl were very high, it was important to develop an efficient, economical and eco-friendly inhibitor for corrosion.

Cost effective chemosensors were developed from green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Leucas indica and were characterized with surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) UV Spectrometry. The sensitivity and selectivity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles towards transition metal ions and alkaline earth metals were studied. Applications such as antimicrobial activity and the ability of formed stable nanoparticle to act as chemosensors are also studied. UV studies confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles by their characteristic peak in range of 436-446nm. Ag NPs also showed antimicrobial activities with gram negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms.

A Santhy and Rejithamol, R., “Phosphorus species in core sediment and its relation with sediment characteristics of paravur estuary, south west coast of India”, 2018Rasayan Journal of chemistry, vol. 11, pp. 1067 - 1073 , 2018.[Abstract]

The core sediment from two distinct zones of the Paravur estuary, one from the sea water influenced western region and other from the river water influenced eastern region were selected for estimating the different species of phosphorus. The concentration of different species of phosphorus along with iron, organic carbon and textural quality from different sediment depths of the above two locations were investigated. The average value of total phosphorus was found to be higher in fresh water influenced region than marine influenced region. Total phosphorus shows a strong positive correlation with organic carbon in both regions

The present study was aimed at delivering a low bioavailability drug, rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate (RTG), to the brain through its encapsulation in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and targeted to amyloid inhibition in the brain. MSNs were characterized for size, zeta potential, and drug entrapment using SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, FT-IR, and PXRD. Drug-loaded MSNs were assessed for in vitro release kinetics and ex vivo followed by animal studies. The average size of the prepared blank (MCM-41B) and drug-loaded MSNs (MCM-41L) was 114 ± 2.0 and 145 ± 0.4 nm with the zeta potential of approximately −43.5 ± 1.1 and −37.6 ± 1.4 mV, respectively. MCM-41L exhibited an average entrapment efficiency of 88%. In vitro release studies exhibited early surge followed by a sluggish persistent or constant release (biphasic pattern). Hemolytic studies proved that the developed MCM-41L NPs are less hemolytic compared to RTG. A reduced ThT fluorescence was observed with MCM-41L compared to MCM-41B and RTG in the amyloid inhibition studies. A significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of AChE (acetycholinesterase) was observed for MCM-41L (80 ± 4.98%), RTG (62 ± 3.25%), and MCM-41B (54 ± 4.25%). In vivo pharmacokinetics in Wistar rats revealed that the AUC and mean residence time (MRT) for MCM-41L was sustained and significantly higher (p < 0.05) (780 ± 3.30 ng/L; 5.49 ± 0.25 h) compared to RTG solution (430 ± 3.50 ng/L; 0.768 ± 0.17 h). Similarly, the half-life was found to be significantly higher in case of MCM-41L. The promising result was brain delivery of RTG in Wistar rats which was enhanced almost 127 folds in vivo, using MCM-41L nanoparticles. MCM-41L nanoparticles effectively enhanced the bioavailability of RTG. Conclusively, these can be used for the administration of RTG and other related low bioavailability drugs for improved brain delivery.

A convenient and rapid method for the synthesis of benzylidene-fluorene from aromatic aldehydes and fluorene in presence of 1, 8-diazobicyclo [5,4,0] undec-7-ene (DBU) as an organic catalyst at room temperature giving good yields, short reaction time and easy isolation. Fluorene based π-conjugated organic compounds have found dominant usance that bring about them deserved entrant for utilizations in organic optoelectronic devices and chemical sensors. The report high points an approach to synthesize these materials and to study the photophysical properties

Recently the decoration of graphene with metallic nanoparticles by a one pot reduction of graphene oxide (GO) coupled with the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has gained momentum. Graphene and GO have been proved to exhibit excellent biocompatibility and high antibacterial activity and hence a vast possibility lies in the utilization of GO as an antibacterial reinforcement in biomaterials and exploration of the antiseptic properties as well as the cytotoxicity of GO-containing composites. Moreover GO decorated with metal / metal oxide paves way towards an inevitable role in water purification. The use of graphene oxide as the nano scale substrates for the development of nanocomposites with metal oxides is a novel idea to obtain a hybrid which would exhibit both the properties of GO as a enthralling paper-shape material and the quality of single nano-sized metal particles. The heavy metal ions and pollutants are considered as a major problem in environmental contamination. Hence detection of trace level pollutant has become a hot topic in the present research scenario. Modified graphene oxide nanocomposites prepared using a green approach has the capacity of absorbing pollutant material ions in high efficiency and selectivity. The green synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using FTIR and UV spectroscopy and the consequence of pH and concentration on the preparation of the nanocomposites was evaluated. The efficiency of these nanocomposites towards degradation of organic dyes like methylene blue has been evaluated.

Replacement of precious metal catalysts in the Guerbet upgrade of ethanol to n-butanol with first-row metal complex catalysts is highly appreciated due to their economic and environmental friendliness. The manganese pincer complexes of the type [(RPNP)MnBr(CO)2] (R = iPr, Cy, tBu, Ph or Ad) are found to be excellent catalysts for upgrading ethanol to n-butanol. Under suitable reaction conditions and with an appropriate base, about 34% yield of n-butanol can be obtained in high selectivity. A detailed account on the effect of the temperature, solvent, nature, and proportion of base used and the stereoelectronic effects of the ligand substituents on the catalytic activity of the catalysts as well as the plausible deactivation pathways is presented.

<p>We present the synthesis and a detailed investigation of structural and magnetic properties of metal-organic compound Cu$_2$(IPA)$_2$(DMF)(H$_2$O) by means of x-ray diffraction, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Single crystals of the title compound were synthesized by judicious selection of organic ligand and employing a selective hydrothermal reaction route. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure with space group $Cmca$. The structural analysis revealed that two Cu$^{2+}$ ions are held together by the organic component (-O-C-O-) in a square paddle-wheel to form spin dimers which are aligned perpendicular to each other and are further coupled through organic ligands (isophthalic acid) forming two-dimensional layers. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility $\chi(T)$ could be described well using spin-$1/2$ dimer model. The spin susceptibility $\chi_{\rm spin} (T)$ shows an exponential decrease in the low temperature region, below the broad maximum, confirming the singlet ground state with a large spin gap of $\Delta/k_{\rm B} \simeq 409$~K. The heat capacity $C_{\rm p}$ measured as a function of temperature also confirms the absence of magnetic long-range-order down to 2~K.</p>

Metal oxides, in general, are known to exhibit significant wettability towards water molecules because of the high feasibility of synergetic hydrogen-bonding interactions possible at the solid-water interface. Here we show that the nano sized phosphates of rare earth materials (Rare Earth Phosphates, REPs), LaPO 4 in particular, exhibit without any chemical modification, unique combination of intrinsic properties including remarkable hydrophobicity that could be retained even after exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh hydrothermal conditions. Transparent nanocoatings of LaPO 4 as well as mixture of other REPs on glass surfaces are shown to display notable hydrophobicity with water contact angle (WCA) value of 120° while sintered and polished monoliths manifested WCA greater than 105°. Significantly, these materials in the form of coatings and monoliths also exhibit complete non-wettability and inertness towards molten metals like Ag, Zn, and Al well above their melting points. These properties, coupled with their excellent chemical and thermal stability, ease of processing, machinability and their versatile photo-physical and emission properties, render LaPO 4 and other REP ceramics utility in diverse applications.

N 1 , N2 -bis(salicylidine)butane-1,4-diamine (SAB ) based PVC membrane sensor was fabricated for Nd(III). The developed sensor showed nernstian response in the concentration range of 1.0×10-6 to 1.0×10-1 M. Nernstian slope of the proposed sensor was found to be 20.6±0.3 mV/decade in the pH range 3.0 to 7.5. The developed sensor displays a response time of <15 s. The proposed sensor can be used over a period of 7 weeks without any significant changes in its Nerstian behaviour. The sensor showed good selectivity for neodymium when compared with other metal ions such as Na+ , K+ , Mg2+, Ca2+, Pb2+, Ag+ , Pr3+ , Sm3+, La3+, and Gd3+. This electrode was used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of neodymium ions with EDTA and was also applied in the determination of neodymium in binary mixture.
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This paper describes the dramatic success in the eco-restoration of a heavy-metal contaminated open garbage dump at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), a 1450-bed super-specialty hospital located in Kochi, Kerala, India. Today, the hospital caters to over 10 lakh patients annually. Inspired by our Chancellor’s vision of zero-waste, the hospital undertook its journey with a view to also reducing massive greenhouse gas emissions that result from improper handling of waste. Today, the hospital manages its municipal solid waste on an industrial scale, composting some eight metric tonnes of organic waste daily.This case study outlines the path followed to achieve zero-waste. Alongside, the rehabilitation of a former dump site is described in detail at this very site are carried out all composting operations of AIMS. Within three years of the restoration activities, heavy metal concentrations in the contaminated soil reduced drastically.There was relatively low uptake of the heavy metals by the plants; however, they might have been crucially responsible for providing a favorable environment for soil restoring microorganisms in their rhizosphere. Observable habitat-restoration continues at the site, including the return of birds and insects and other wildlife, making this an ideal site for further research and demonstration for community awareness and education.
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Protective materials based on lead are the usual X- ray shielding materials but their extended use leads to severe health problems due to the toxic nature of lead. Moreover, lead based materials are not appropriate for absorbing the regular energy region of X-ray used in medical field and hence natural rubber composites containing modified Gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) as filler is suggested as an alternative. Natural rubber composites were prepared with organically modified Gd2O3 at various filler loadings.The structural features of modified Gd2O3 were examined using FTIR, X-ray diffraction and SEM. The particle size of organically modified Gd2O3 was found to be in the nano range which contributes to the enhanced properties of the composites. The increase of filler loading improved the shielding effectiveness of the rubber composites. Examination of mechanical and X-ray shielding properties show the effectiveness of the material to be used as potential shielding materials.
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Green nanotechnology has gained momentum in the recent years because it couples the immense applications of nanotechnology with the principles of green chemistry so that the toxic effects of nanotechnology stands nullified. The environmental as well as health issues of nanotechnology has only been addressed in the recent times and since then the green pathway towards the synthesis of nanoparticles has gained immense attention. The novel phenomenon of surface Plasmon resonance exhibited by metallic nanoparticles has been exploited and silver nanoparticles were prepared from biowastes like cashew peel, tapioca peel, banana bosom peel etc which would otherwise appear as waste in and around the processing centers. The aforementioned nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectroscopy and the behavior of these particles towards naked eye detection of selected heavy metal ions like nickel, cadmium,lead and mercury were observed.
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Polymers are usually non-magnetic in nature. The introduction of magnetic materials imparts magnetic properties to the polymer as well as improves the physical properties of polymer/rubber matrix. The merits of polymer bonded magnets (PBMs) over their metallic and ceramic counterparts comprise low weight, resistance to corrosion, ease of fabrication and capability for high production rates. In the present work nickel ferrite was prepared by coprecipitation method. The prepared ferrite fillers are embedded in natural rubber (NR) matrix by mechanical mixing at different loadings to get the rubber ferrite composites (RFCs) and their properties were studied as a function of filler loading from 0-75 phr. The mechanical property study reveals that tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus (100%) increases up to 25 phr of filler loading and afterwards it shows a marginal fall, but Shore hardness significantly increases with filler loading. The magnetic measurements were done on the filler and prepared RFCs. The results show that there is a significant improvement in the coercivity, magnetic retentivity and saturation magnetization and is linearly dependent on the filler amount. The solvent diffusion study shows that the equilibrium solvent uptake decreases with increase in filler content which is in accordance with mechanical and magnetic studies.
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A mild and efficient protocol for the synthesis of vicinal tricarbonyl compounds from β-dicarbonyls in a single step using cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate as a catalytic oxidant is described. Ease of execution, wide substrate scope and the suitability for the synthesis of commercially important compounds like ninhydrin, alloxan and oxoline make this reaction particularly noteworthy.
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We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the spin S=12 nano magnet Cu5(OH)2(NIPA)4⋅10H2O (Cu5-NIPA). Using thermodynamic, electron spin resonance, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on one hand, and ab initio density-functional band-structure calculations, exact diagonalizations, and a strong-coupling theory on the other, we derive a microscopic magnetic model of Cu5-NIPA and characterize the spin dynamics of this system. The elementary fivefold Cu2+ unit features an hourglass structure of two corner-sharing scalene triangles related by inversion symmetry. Our microscopic Heisenberg model comprises one ferromagnetic and two antiferromagnetic exchange couplings in each triangle, stabilizing a single spin S=12 doublet ground state (GS), with an exactly vanishing zero-field splitting (by Kramers' theorem), and a very large excitation gap of Δ≃68 K. Thus, Cu5-NIPA is a good candidate for achieving long electronic spin relaxation (T1) and coherence (T2) times at low temperatures, in analogy to other nanomagnets with low-spin GS's. Of particular interest is the strongly inhomogeneous distribution of the GS magnetic moment over the five Cu2+ spins. This is a purely quantum-mechanical effect since, despite the non frustrated nature of the magnetic couplings, the GS is far from the classical collinear ferrimagnetic configuration. Finally, Cu5-NIPA is a rare example of a S=12 nano magnet showing an enhancement in the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 at intermediate temperatures.

The Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences is a 1450 - bed super-specialty hospital located in Kochi, Kerala, India. The hospital was founded by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, who envisioned an advancedcenter for serving the poor and suffering. Inspired by Amma’s vision of zero-waste, the hospital undertook its journey with a view to also reducing massive greenhouse gas emissions that result from improper handling of waste. Today, the hospital manages its municipal solid waste on an industrial scale, composting some eight metric tons of organic waste daily. This case study outlines the path followed to achieve zero-waste. Alongside, the rehabilitation of a former dump site is described in detail; at this very site are carried out all composting operations of AIMS
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Cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate mediated oxidative addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to terminal acetylenes to yield multisubstituted furan derivatives is reported here. The simplicity of the reaction and the ease of execution are particularly noteworthy.

A PVC membrane sensor for the selective determination of mebendazole (MBZ) was fabricated. The sensor is based on an ion association of MBZ with silicotungstic acid (STA) as ion pair and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEP) as the plasticizing agent in a PVC matrix. The sensor showed a linear response for MBZ for a concentration range 1.0x10(-6)-5.0x10(-2) M with a Nernstian slope of 55.8 mV/decade (limit of detection 6.3x10(-7) M) in the pH range 4-7. It has a fast response time of <30 s. The sensor showed a very good selectivity for MBZ with respect to a large number of ions. The direct determination of MBZ in pharmaceutical formulations gave results that compare well with the data obtained from the standard method.
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Epoxy resins are employed a coating materials in aircraft as well as marine applications owing to its outstanding mechanical and chemical resistance. Epoxy composites are also effective in constructing body parts of aircraft and marine vehicles. But due to degradation by water, epoxy nanocomposites have less durability. Hence to enhance the water repelling ability or decrease the uptake of water of epoxy composites it is advisable to incorporate nanofillers. Graphene is an excellent nanofiller for toughening epoxy due to its mechanical, thermal and electrical properties and hence it is a very adaptable filler to improve many properties of epoxy like mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Present work focuses on the enhancement of barrier properties especially on moisture resistance of epoxy graphene oxide nanocomposites after curing using Diaminodiphenyl methane. In this specific study moisture uptake of epoxy and epoxy nanocomposites having different compositions were analyzed at different temperature ranges like room temperature 30, 50°C and 70°C taking water as a solvent for a time period of 15 days.

Embelin, a naturally occurring compound extracted from Embelia ribes is used in Ayurvedic system of medicine owing to its wide spectrum of biological activities. In the present work, we have aimed at improving the efficacy of Embelin by appropriate structural modifications. A few novel derivatives of Embelin have been prepared. The antibacterial screening of these derivatives were carried out and compared with a well known antibiotic, Streptomycin. The derivatives exhibited better activity than Streptomycin and the lead molecule, Embelin.

This paper discusses the development of X-ray shielding materials based on rare earth oxide and natural rubber materials. Medical imaging, as we know is currently using highly toxic lead containing garment for protection from harmful radiations. Both technicians as well as patients are suffering from the ill effects of radiation exposure to a great extent. The current research presented in this paper can be an alternative to the above mentioned problems. Rare earth oxide was used as filler in natural rubber matrix to prepare eco-friendly composites. The samples were analyzed to confirm the particle size, even distribution in matrix phase, mechanical properties and their response to high temperature conditions.

Composite incorporated Ni-P electrodes were fabricated for alkaline water electrolysis. The effect of (Polyaniline) PANI-TiO2 polymer composite in hydrogen evolution efficiency of Ni-P electrode in NaOH medium was studied. Characterization of the composites was carried out by XRD and coating composition was confirmed by EDS analysis. Catalytic action of the fabricated electrodes was analysed by polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. The optimized electrodes exhibited a lower overpotential value of 139 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction at 200 mA cm-2. The composite incorporated electrodes achieved enhanced catalytic activity as a result of improved active sites, increased surface roughness and decreased resistance for electron transfer reaction in comparison with pure Ni-P electrode.

P. Varun and Dr. Smitha Chandran S., “Sustainable utilization of some noxious aquatic weeds by energy recovery using high solid anaerobic digesters”, in International Conference on Technological Advancements in Power and Energy ( TAP Energy), EEE Department at Amritapuri Campus, Amritapuri, Kollam, 2017.[Abstract]

One of the options on which we zeroed in was utilization of weeds for generating energy as biogas via anaerobic digestion. This study makes an attempt to utilize some noxious aquatic weeds as a feedstock in High Solid Anaerobic Digesters (HSADs) for the recovery of energy. The specific objectives of the study were to fabricate lab scale HSADs for the digestion of organic fraction of some common noxious aquatic weeds and to evaluate the suitability of it as a feed stock in Anaerobic Digesters and the recovery of energy in terms of biogas. The findings indicate 4.873% of dry solids loss and 96.32% degradation of volatile solids at the end of the experiment for Typha latifolia with a total biogas yield of 14,175 ml and resulted into a total of 83,609 m3/m3digester volume and 4.168% of dry solids loss and 92.46% degradation of volatile solids at the end of the experiment for Pistia stratiotes with a cumulative biogas yield of 17,570 ml and resulted into a total of 83,609 m3/m3in 30 days. The performance of the reactors is similar with the values reported in earlier works. This waste utilization forms a sustainable solution for the management of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Also the slurry from the bioreactor can be utilized as a bio fertilizer.

Fabrication of the PVC membrane sensor incorporating clopidogrel-tetraido mercurate as an electro active material for the determination of clopidogrel bisulphate is demonstrated. Sensor matrix having a composition of PVC 32%, ion association 2.5% and Di-n-butyl phthalate 56.5 % showed best nernstian behavior in the concentration range 1×10 -2 -1×10 -7 M with a lower detection limit of 2.9 × 10 -8 M. Working pH range and response time was found to be 1.8-4.0 and 5s respectively. The sensor was fruitfully utilized for the quantification of clopidogrel from Clopilet tablets. Comparative studies on the various parameters that depend on the performance characteristics of the present sensor with that of the literature reports were also included.

Aparna Guleria, Smitha Asok V., and Dr. Smitha Chandran S., “Hydrological studies of a small watershed area of Karamana River basin using GIS”, in National Seminar on Contemporary Techniques in Environmental Research and Conservation (CTERC-2014), P G Department of Environmental Sciences, All Saints’ College, Thiruvananthapuram, 2014.

Dr. Saritha A., Rincy Sebastian, and Shilpa K., “Synergistic effect of CNT and Nanoclay on the properties of chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposites”, in National Conference on material science and Technology held at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology,, Trivandrum , 2014.

2014

Conference Paper

S. T, R, A. A., and Sambhudevan, S., “Effect of co-precipitated nickel ferrite on the mechanical and magnetic properties of natural rubber-ferrite composites”, in Effect of co-precipitated nickel ferrite on the mechanical and magnetic properties of natural rubber-ferrite composites at National conference on material science and technology,, Thiruvananthapuram, 2014.

2013

Conference Paper

Dr. Smitha Chandran S. and Smitha Asok, “Utlilization of Limnocharisflava, an invasive exotic aquatic weed from Kuttanad wetland ecosystem as a potential feedstock for aquaculture”, in International Seminar on Advances in Aquaculture Technologies (ISATT-2013), Department of Zoology, All Saints College Thiruvananthapuram, 2013, pp. 53-55.

This paper describes the dramatic success in the eco-restoration of a heavy-metal contaminated open garbage dump. A number of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Hg, Cr) were detected in the soil and river sediment at the site. The main restoration activities included mulching, surface-addition of compost and fresh soil and phytoremediation using vetiver and other plants. Within three years of the restoration activities, heavy metal concentrations in the contaminated soil reduced drastically. There was relatively low uptake of the heavy metals by the plants; however, they might have been crucially responsible for providing a favorable environment for soil-restoring microrganisms in their rhizosphere. Observable habitat-restoration continues at the site, including the return of birds and insects and other wildlife, making this an ideal site for further research and demonstration for community awareness and education.

B. S and Girish Kumar, “Fabrication of PVC membrane sensor for Gadolinium”, in National conference organized by KONGU, 2012.

2012

Conference Paper

A. K.M. and Chandran, S., “Variation in Air Pollution Tolerance Index of some common plants near The Kerala Minerals”, in National Conference on Recent Trends in Chemistry organized by Department of Chemistry, Chavara, Kollam, 2012.

In response to the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NME-ICT) Initiative, the Virtual and Accessible Laboratories Universalizing Education (VALUE @ Amrita) Virtual Labs Project was initiated to provide laboratory-learning experiences to college and university students across India who may not have access to adequate laboratory facilities or equipment. These virtual laboratories require only a broadband Internet connection and standard web browser. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University is part of a consortium of twelve institutions building over two hundred virtual labs covering nine key disciplines in science and engineering. This National Mission project hopes to reach out to India's millions of engineering and science students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Virtual Labs Project is providing virtual laboratory experiments that directly support the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) model curricula for engineering and sciences undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Materials from renewable sources are attracting immense attention due to the excellent properties and ecological advantages it can offer and due to the growing environmental concerns. Liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) from renewable sources have engrossed considerable attention during the past few decades. Nowadays, agro based renewable materials are the subject of a growing number of academic and industrial research projects, because of diminishing fossil resources combined with the increasing environmental concern of petroleum based polymers. Renewable resources such as cellulose, vegetable oils and other plant and animal originated products are ideal alternatives to provide base chemicals for various materials, as they are abundant throughout the world and contain several reactive chemical sites such as double bonds, allylic carbons, ester groups, and the alpha carbons of the ester groups, which can be used for polymerization. LCPs can be successfully synthesized from a good number of natural sources including cardanol, castor oil and can be derived from biopolymers such as cellulose, DNA, proteins etc. The study of liquid crystal phases of cellulosic esters and ethers become attractive owing to their properties such as toughness and processability. Cardanol obtained from cashew nut shell liquid possesses functional groups for creating polymers and has interesting structure for exhibiting liquid crystalline properties. Cardanol based LCP can form cross linked network polymers due to the unsaturation of side chains and possibly can freeze the liquid crystalline phase. On the other hand liquid crystal properties of cellulose in electro optical applications open new horizons for these traditional materials. A milestone in the development of nano cellulose science and technology is the discovery of cellulose nano crystals (CNC) from natural cellulose sources. CNC is made from cellulose which is a natural polymer of wide abundance and is an almost non-exhausting source. These nanofibrils under particular concentration can form ordered structures leading to lyotropic liquid crystals. It was noticed that rod like CNC can form a stable chiral nematic liquid crystalline phase. The chiral nematic (cholesteric) phase thus formed is characterized by long-range orientational order of the nanorods combined with a helical modulation of the direction in which they align. The intriguing ability of CNCs to self-organize into a cholesteric liquid crystal phase with a helical arrangement has attracted significant interest, as this arrangement gives dried CNC films a photonic band gap. Thus formed film has attractive optical properties, creating possibilities for use in applications such as security papers and mirrorless lasing. Controlling and understanding the mechanisms of liquid crystalline self-assembly of LCPs are not only of fundamental importance but are steps along the route to produce novel materials with desirable optical or mechanical properties. Nanostructured films with a photonic band gap phase of CNC suspensions arising from the spontaneous helix formation in the cholesteric liquid crystal have been the focus of several studies. The use of CNC suspension as a self-assembled template for the synthesis of inorganic materials offers a promising and versatile platform to fabricate multifunctional mesoporous materials with photonic crystal properties of very large surface areas. The combination of CNC and inorganic materials with higher refractive indices may lead towards photonic devices such as tunable mirrorless lasers, and CNC-templated materials with specific surface functionalities may pave way for the development of enantioselective sensors.

In the proposed chapter we would discuss the different methods of synthesis of LCPs using renewable sources like cellulose, cardanol etc., chemical functionalization and characterization of cellulose, nano cellulose and their derivatives and their subsequent self organization into LCPs. The structural as well as phase transitions will be discussed in detail with various characterization techniques. A brief overview on the future scope of research and applications in the aforementioned field will also be given.

S. Chandran and Arjun, K. M., “Changes in Air Pollution Tolerance Index of some common plants near The Kerala Minerals, and Metals Limited”, National Conference sponsored by DST & BRNS. Kongu Engineering college, 2012.

Akhil Sivan, A. Deepthi, and Vidya, N., “Synthesis of Fused Furans by Oxidative Addition”, National Seminar on Current Trends in Chemistry, Dept. of Applied Chemistry. Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, 2011.